Considered by many to be the leading lights of the Seattle grunge scene of the late 1980s/early 1990s, and perhaps the most influential rock band of Generations X & Y, Nirvana was a powerful trio of musicians who brought a unique aesthetic to a growing-stale rock scene…
Recorded live at Madison Square Garden, New York City - January 9, 1997. The purpose was a charity concert for celebrating David Bowie's 50th birthday. Many friends of the artist took actively part at this event, therefore it is referred to as an album of "David Bowie & Friends": Dave Grohl and his Foo Fighters, Lou Reed, Robert Smith (The Cure), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Sonic Youth. For many years this Live album has circulated as a bootleg, now it has been officially released in April 2011.
There's more than a hint of things turning full circle in the 21st century's first original David Bowie full- length album. On HEATHEN, Bowie not only reunites with co-producer Tony Visconti, but within the first 15 minutes references his '70s hit "Heroes" in the suitably smoldering "Slow Burn," and turns around late co-conspirator John Lennon's "God" in "Afraid" ("I believe in Beatles"). Bowie wisely gives himself the space to toy with old R&B rhythms and weighty, pre-punk guitar riffs, juxtaposing Bjork-like string sections with looped rock drums and hissing synth backgrounds on "I Would Be Your Slave," while coyly harking back to his Ziggy Stardust persona on "I Took a Trip on a Gemini Spaceship."
Clarence Penn has been one of the most dynamic drummers in jazz since his New York City arrival 33 years ago. His work with Wynton Marsalis, Betty Carter, Diane Reeves and Michael Brecker has been extensively documented, as have his own musical explorations, including 2014's Monk: The Lost Files. Behind the Voice goes a whole new direction as Penn unfurls inventive reimaginings of the works of influential drummers behind some of the greatest pop music created. Songs by Phil Collins, Levon Helm, Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel and Dave Grohl receive expansive modern treatments through Penn's production along with a bevy of collaborators, including vocalists Kurt Elling, Aaron Marcellus and Toku, guitarists Adam Rogers and Gilad Hekselman, and many more. "…a celebration of their artistry, their passion, and their indelible mark on the music we cherish."
In retrospect, Nevermind may seem a little too unassuming for its mythic status – it's simply a great modern punk record – but even though it may no longer seem life-changing, it is certainly life-affirming, which may just be better.